Brussels sprouts: growing and caring for a popular vegetable

Brussels sprouts, growing and caring for which have recently become very popular in our country, first appeared in Italy. In 1587 its seeds were imported to Belgium. Since that time, the vegetable has grown in this country in very large quantities. This is the reason for its name. The product contains potassium, as well as a huge amount of vitamins A and C. As for the second, its concentration here exceeds by more than two times the same index of ordinary cabbage. Among other things, it is scientifically proven that the composition of the vegetable also includes numerous anti-cancer components. A small amount of calories leads to what nutritionists often recommend to people who are struggling with excess weight just such a product as Brussels sprouts. Growing and caring for her at home, in this regard, is now very common.

Before planting the plant, it is necessary to prepare the soil. This is done in the previous fall. A layer of manure or compost is added to the soil. After this, the site must be left in such a state that the wind and snow can exert influence on it. After passing past spring frosts, the ground should be loosened to a depth of up to five centimeters. Brussels sprouts, growing and caring for which is carried out on its own site, will develop better if additional soil is added to the soil (100 grams per square meter). An alternative is a mixture consisting of ground horns, hooves, potassium sulfate and bone meal. In this case, about 120 grams are added. Planting of plants on a permanent place in the garden is carried out at the very end of spring or at the beginning of summer.

Brussels sprouts, cultivation and care for which are carried out independently, should be planted in a secluded area of the garden. For each plant it is necessary to make a hole a little more than one centimeter in depth. The optimal distance between adjacent pits is 15 centimeters. After the seeds are planted, they must be covered with cellophane bags. This will protect them and provide heat.

Speaking about the growth of Brussels sprouts, first of all it should be noted that as soon as the height of the seedlings is ten to fifteen centimeters, you need to move to their seating. It is recommended to water the plants a lot of water the day before. Between adjacent copies of Brussels sprouts leave about 90 centimeters of space. Another important condition is that the bottom leaves should be located above the ground level. Next, the plants are watered abundantly and attached to the posts if there is a possibility of strong winds.

As you can see, caring for Brussels sprouts is very simple. Nor is harvest gathering difficult. When the leaves turn yellow, they need to be removed, after which you should carefully remove the shoots. This is best done with a knife, because there is a possibility that the plant will be torn from the roots. It is desirable to start from the bottom upwards. In the southern regions, the harvest of Brussels sprouts begins to be harvested tentatively in September, and in the northern regions - at least a month later. The head of the plant can not be cut until the end of February, because they serve as a protection for germs that are at the stage of development inside, and also produce juice for fertilizing the plant. After the Brussels sprouts cease to bear fruit, it must be torn out and discarded, because it will continue to consume useful substances from the soil.